Twin Lake

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How big is Twin Lake?

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What kind of fish can you catch in Twin Lake?

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Lakes Sylvia and Twin are located in western Wright County, near the town of South Haven. The lakes are connected by a wide channel and are sometimes referred to as East and West Twin. They are among the largest and deepest lakes in the county, and water quality is excellent. Not surprisingly, they are very popular for recreational use during the open water season. More than one thousand boats were counted at docks along shore in 2002, and during summer weekends the public access (on Twin Lake) is often very busy. A survey was conducted in 2002 to assess fish populations, and included spring netting (just after ice-out), spring electrofishing and summer netting. Catch rates were compared to lakes with similar characteristics as a way to evaluate the fish populations of the two lakes. Results were also compared to past surveys of Sylvia and Twin Lakes (most recently in 1992) to track changes over time. Population estimates were made for northern pike and walleye during the survey. While catch rates allow us to compare relative abundance among lakes, or over time, population estimates give us actual abundance, and suggest how many fish the lake can produce for anglers. The survey also included water chemistry analysis, watershed mapping, and an aquatic plant survey. Lakes Sylvia and Twin are managed primarily for northern pike and walleye. In 2002, catch rates for northern pike were within the range that is normal for lakes like Sylvia or Twin. Northern pike up to 35 inches (9 pounds) were sampled during the ice-out netting, but most of the fish were 18-26 inches. Average weight was two pounds. Catch rates and average size have remained fairly consistent for Lakes Sylvia and Twin over the past three decades. The population of northern pike between 16-34 inches in the two lakes was estimated to be 5,279 (3.5/acre). Fish outside this size range were not sampled well enough by the gear used in the spring, so the estimate does not include small or very large fish. In nearby Sugar Lake, which has a very high population of northern pike, density was estimated to be 26/acre. Walleye management in Sylvia and Twin Lakes requires regular stocking of fingerlings, since natural reproduction does not appear to occur, or is minimal. Walleye are stocked in alternate years, and the quantity of fish stocked is based on the amount of littoral area (less than 15 feet) available. The population of walleye between 16-28 inches was estimated to be 1,089 (0.7/acre). The summer catch rate of walleye in 2002 was low, but within the normal range for lakes like Sylvia or Twin. Survival of walleye from year to year is probably good, given that most walleye sampled were between 6-10 years old, and a few were estimated to be 14 years old. However, growth rates are relatively slow, and can vary greatly among individuals. This is probably due to the low density of suitable forage available; very few larger yellow perch, small white suckers or other appropriate-sized prey were sampled during the survey. Walleye do reach large size in Sylvia and Twin Lakes, however; several fish sampled during the ice-out netting were over 28 inches (about 8 pounds). Lakes Sylvia and Twin are well suited for largemouth bass, because of good water clarity and diverse aquatic vegetation. The bass population appeared very high in 2002, based on night electrofishing. Over 300 bass were sampled per hour in each of the lakes, the highest in the Montrose management area. The median catch rate for largemouth bass in area lakes is 55/hr. The population is dominated by mid-sized fish (8-12 inches), while bass over 16 inches are rare. Like the walleye, largemouth bass in Lakes Sylvia and Twin tend to be long-lived, but somewhat slow growing. Few black crappie were captured during summer netting, but for many lakes, crappie are not using shoreline areas during this time of year and are not caught in trap nets. During ice-out netting, a much larger number of crappie was sampled. The average size was high (ten inches) and crappie up to 14 inches were seen. Bluegill were sampled in low numbers in 2002. High water levels during the survey may have affected the catch; the high population of largemouth bass may also limit the size of the bluegill population. Bluegill appeared to grow slowly, based on age estimates made from examining scale samples. Seven-inch bluegill were nine years old. Clear lakes tend to be less biologically productive, and this often results in slower growth rates for some fish species, such as bluegill. Other sunfish species (pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, and rock bass) were also sampled in 2002. In the mid 1970s an introduction of muskellunge was attempted by an angler group. Although fingerlings were stocked on three occasions, no muskellunge were ever sampled during subsequent fisheries surveys. However, anglers have reported catching muskellunge as recently as 1996, and in 1997, a dead muskellunge was found on the lakeshore. Tullibee (a whitefish species) have been caught in these lakes (in low numbers) during previous surveys, but were not sampled in 2002. A special effort was made to sample tullibee just before ice formed in December 2001, but only three were caught. Tullibee are generally found in lakes further north in Minnesota, but several lakes in the Montrose management area contain tullibee. In lakes where they are present, they provide important forage for predator species like northern pike and walleye. Faster growth of northern pike would be expected if tullibee were abundant in Sylvia and Twin Lakes. The clear water of the lakes supports a diverse plant community, out to depths of 23 feet. Stands of emergent and floatingleaf vegetation are present, but primarily in shallow bays or other sheltered areas. Lakeshore residents can help protect the shoreline from erosion by allowing cattail and bulrush to grow, since the shallow roots of lawn grasses dont withstand wave action well. The DNR website provides information on trees and other plants that are better suited to lakeshores.

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